As the 2026 Washington Commanders Training Camp kicks off next week, I am going to give the status of the team as it stands today. This will be a three part series: 1. The Offense, 2. The Defense, 3. The Special Teams and Coaching Staff. Let’s look at each position group in the offense.
Quarterbacks
The quarterback position is the most important in sports and Washington has that right with Jayden Daniels. Everyone in the DMV and the NFL as a whole know the ability of Daniels. That is not the question. Keeping him healthy is the most important thing and Washington has made moves to do that. The switch from the Air Raid Kliff Kingsbury’s offense to the multiple style offense of David Blough. Less shotgun RPO’s and more under center bootlegs. Jayden had show in OTA’s a good control of the playbook which Blough is building around him. The quicker Daniels masters the playbook, the better everyone will be. Bringing back Marcus Mariota was also a really good move. The backup quarterback might be the top 5 most important on the offense.
Grade- A-
Running Backs
The running back room in 2026 will have a vastly different look this coming season. The offense was never connected last season because of injury and the running back room was no different. Not much is mentioned about the loss of Austin Eckler but his Achilles tear early in the season really hurt the offense. Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a solid season but he was never planned to be the featured back and therefore his up and downs makes sense. Chris Rodriguez was decent as a RB3 but the running game never meshed totally. Part of that is that Washington faced five top 10 defenses last season, and the carousel at quarterback and wide receiver also meant teams loaded the box. The addition of Rachaad White to partner with Croskey-Merritt should be a young and dynamic backfield. Both have different strengths but can be all around backs. White is bigger and a better receiver while Croskey-Merritt is stronger with a quicker burst. The zone stretch and bootleg game will play into both’s hands. While neither player is elite they are a solid pairing.
Grade- B
Wide Receiver
The biggest talking point of the fanbase is the question, Who is WR2? Lot’s of big names came and went in free agency and the draft and Washington did not sign any big names. Terry McLaurin and his contract hold out then injury was a huge part in the regression of the offense in 2025. In the end everyone lost in that saga. But a focused and healthy McLaurin can easily be top 10 player in this league and I believe Blough will feature him more this season. Now to WR2, who will that be? First let’s see who is on the roster. Treylon Burks has the talent, Van Jefferson has been before, Dyami Brown came back after a disappointing year in Jacksonville but was trending up with Daniels in 2024, drafted Antonio Williams from Clemson who has ability, then others such as Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffery. That is a lot of either question marks or unproven players. Not exactly what you want in year three of Jayden Daniels. So if that is the case then what is available outside of the franchise right now? Would you bring Deebo Samuels? Doesn’t seem like Washington will go that route even though he had a solid season last year. Stephon Diggs has legal troubles while Brandon Ayiuk has seemly played himself out of Washington. I honestly think the team brings in another veteran receiver. I am not sure at this point who it will be.
Grade C+
Tight End
The tight end position last two season was led by Zack Ertz who became a safety blanket for Jayden Daniels. Ertz tore his ACL in December and is not back with the team. The team signed Chig Okonkwo from the Tennessee Titans to be the pass catching tight end. Blough should be featuring Okonkwo all over the field. This also allows more two tight end sets (12 and 13 personnel) which allows John Bates and Ben Sinnott to feature more in the offense. This group is underrated and should perform well. The misdirection bootleg game will allow all three to produce.
Grade- B
Offensive Line
The best overall group last season for Washington was the offensive line. Once Sam Cosmi returned from injury and Chris Paul took the starting spot from Brandon Coleman at left guard, the line was solid. Trading for Laremy Tunsil was absolutely the right move and drafting Josh Conerly made the line over the top. The release of Tyler Biadasz was a shock but Nick Allegretti is a better center than guard. Drafting Matt Glubin will be the understudy while Trent Scott and Brandon Coleman provide depth. This group will enjoy the Blough offense as well and should help keep Daniels upright.
Grade- A-
Overall the offense is solid but not full of elite talent but health will be the overall deciding factor. If healthy Jayden Daniels can raise those around him but the scheme matters in that as well. The overall grade of the offense is incomplete until they take the field in Philadelphia in September. What grade would you give the offense?
Check for part 2 tomorrow featuring the defense.
